What Are Four Potential Hazards Found in a Nursing Home?

Nursing homes are some of the most secure places for older adults who can no longer take care of themselves. However, as a family member or friend of an elderly adult in a nursing home, or even an employee of the home, you need to be aware of the four possible hazards that occur there and to understand the procedures to prevent them from occurring.

Falls

• When falls occur in nursing homes, they can often cause hip fractures.

  According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as many as three out of four nursing home residents fall each year. Typical nursing homes with 100 beds report 100 to 200 falls annually. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that some nursing home falls are caused by muscle weakness, walking or gait problems, such environmental hazards as wet floors and poor lighting, and incorrect bed height. The nursing home staff should take the initiative and make environmental changes that make it easier for residents to safely move around. This includes such things as putting in grab bars and installing handrails in the hallways. Checking on patients after a fall can help prevent future falls.

Physical Abuse

• Helpguide.org states that many elderly people are abused in nursing facilities. Because they have become physically frail, the elderly are less able to defend themselves. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) Administration on Aging, physical abuse includes striking, hitting, beating, shaking, burning as well as inappropriate use of drugs and physical restraints. Concerned friends and family members should watch for warning signs of abuse, which include bruises, bone fractures, signs of being restrained and open wounds. If you're concerned about an elderly person being abused, report it immediately.

Sexual Abuse

• The NCEA defines sexual abuse as non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an elderly person. Like physical abuse, sexual elder abuse can occur in nursing facilities. Helpguide.org states that actual physical sex acts are defined as forms of sexual abuse. However, showing the elderly pornographic material or forcing them to watch sex acts are also defined as sexual abuse. There are many symptoms of sexual abuse family members and friends should look for including bruises around the breasts or genital area, unexplained venereal diseases and unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding.

Neglect

• Failure to perform the duties of a caregiver is defined as neglect or abandonment. Many family members place their loved ones in nursing homes because they cannot rightfully fulfill these duties. However, neglect can occur in nursing facilities as well. According to Helpguide.org, elderly neglect make up more than half of all reported cases of elder abuse. This form of abuse can be active or passive neglect. Active neglect is intentionally ignoring the elderly and not fulfilling caregiver duties. Passive neglect is more unintentional due to ignorance or denial. Some symptoms of neglect or abandonment include dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores and poor personal hygiene. If you suspect that an elderly person is being abused, speak with a doctor or friend that you trust. You can also report elderly abuse to Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116.